Rugby League World Cup 2026 Stars: Players to Watch

Which players will light up the Rugby League World Cup 2026, and who should you watch when the tournament kicks off on 15 October?

This World Cup brings together the best players from the NRL and Super League, playing for ten nations across Australia, New Zealand and PNG.

The biggest stars to watch are Australia’s Reece Walsh and Cameron Munster, New Zealand’s Kalyn Ponga, Samoa’s Jarome Luai, Tonga’s Jason Taumalolo and Fiji’s Apisai Koroisau.

Every team has at least one game-changer, from England’s George Williams to Lebanon’s Jacob Kiraz and PNG’s Rhyse Martin.

Below, you’ll find the key players for all ten men’s teams, the rising stars and our picks for player of the tournament.

We’ll update this page during the tournament as players shine and new stars emerge from each round.

Who Are the Biggest Stars at the Rugby League World Cup 2026?

The biggest stars include Reece Walsh, Cameron Munster and Harry Grant for Australia, and Kalyn Ponga and Jahrome Hughes for New Zealand.

Samoa have Jarome Luai and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, while Tonga have Jason Taumalolo and Isaiya Katoa.

England rely on George Williams and Herbie Farnworth, and Lebanon’s Jacob Kiraz is one of the most exciting backs in the NRL.

Most of these players play in the NRL or Super League. See every squad in our Rugby League World Cup 2026 teams guide.

Australia Players to Watch

Reece Walsh is the player everyone is talking about. The Broncos fullback was picked ahead of James Tedesco for the opener, as named on NRL.com.

Cameron Munster brings big-game experience at five-eighth, while Mitchell Moses steps in at halfback with Nathan Cleary ruled out.

Harry Grant is one of the best hookers in the world, and his speed out of dummy half drives much of Australia’s attack.

Debut winger Jack Bostock stole the show in the opener, scoring a hat-trick including the 24-22 match-winner.

See every Round 1 side on our Rugby League World Cup 2026 team lists page.

New Zealand Players to Watch

Kalyn Ponga scored twice on his Test debut at fullback, but went off against Australia with a suspected arm injury.

Jahrome Hughes is the brain of the team at halfback. He’s one of the NRL’s best halves and controls the Kiwis’ kicking game.

Captain James Fisher-Harris leads a fearsome pack alongside Joseph Tapine, Moses Leota and Isaiah Papali’i.

Dane Gagai also lines up in the centres, bringing huge experience to his Kiwis debut.

England Players to Watch

George Williams and Harry Smith form England’s halves, and their kicking game will decide a lot of England’s matches.

Herbie Farnworth is one of the most dangerous centres in the tournament, with the pace to break any defensive line.

Victor Radley brings NRL toughness at lock, while Junior Nsemba is one of Super League’s most exciting young forwards.

AJ Brimson starts at fullback, and Dominic Young is a big try threat on the wing.

Samoa Players to Watch

Samoa’s backline is packed with NRL stars. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is one of the fastest players in rugby league today.

Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton add power and finishing, while Jarome Luai runs the attack at halfback.

Captain Junior Paulo leads the pack, with Spencer Leniu and Francis Molo adding size and aggression.

Samoa reached the final in 2022, and many players from that team are back for another shot at the trophy.

Tonga Players to Watch

Isaiya Katoa is one of the brightest young halves in the NRL, and he steers Tonga’s attack.

Up front, Jason Taumalolo and Addin Fonua-Blake are two of the most powerful forwards in the world.

Haumole Olakau’atu is a damaging runner on the edge, and Tyson Frizell adds experience at lock.

Latu Fainu partners Katoa in the halves after choosing to play for Tonga.

Tonga’s pack could be the strongest at the whole tournament.

Fiji Players to Watch

Captain Apisai Koroisau is Fiji’s most important player. The hooker controls the ruck and organises the team.

Sunia Turuva and Semi Valemei bring pace and power on the wings, and both can score from anywhere.

Brandon Wakeham and Kurt Donoghoe form the halves, with Bayleigh Bentley-Hape at fullback.

Jacob Saifiti adds muscle up front after returning from suspension.

Fiji will need all of them firing to challenge Australia and New Zealand in Pool A.

PNG Players to Watch

Captain Rhyse Martin is PNG’s leader and goal-kicker, and this is set to be his last World Cup.

Hooker Edwin Ipape is the engine of the Kumuls’ attack, darting out of dummy half.

Jack de Belin brings years of NRL experience to the pack, and Nene Macdonald is a big presence in the centres.

With two home games in Port Moresby, these players will have one of the loudest crowds in the sport behind them.

France Players to Watch

Captain Benjamin Garcia is France’s most experienced player and is set to play his final World Cup.

Arthur Mourgue is a classy fullback, and Theo Fages brings years of Super League experience at halfback.

Lattrell Siegwalt of South Sydney is France’s only NRL-based player and a strong runner in the centres.

Most of the squad plays for Catalans and Toulouse, so the team knows each other well.

That understanding could be France’s biggest weapon against stronger teams.

Lebanon Players to Watch

Jacob Kiraz is Lebanon’s biggest star. The Bulldogs back starts at fullback and is a constant try threat.

Manly winger Jason Saab makes his Lebanon debut, adding pace and finishing on the edge.

Alex Twal and Tony Sukkar bring NRL toughness to the pack.

Coach Michael Cheika has built a squad that can trouble anyone on its day.

Lebanon reached the quarter-finals in 2022 and will hope these stars can take them further.

Cook Islands Players to Watch

Captain KL Iro leads the Aitu from the centres and is their most important attacking player.

Esan Marsters brings experience at halfback, and Esom Ioka starts at fullback.

Valentine Holmes is the biggest name in the squad, though he wasn’t in the 17 for the opener against Fiji.

Makahesi Makatoa and Davvy Moale lead a hard-working pack.

The Aitu will need their stars at their best to cause an upset in Pool A.

Rising Stars at the Rugby League World Cup 2026

Every World Cup creates new stars, and this one has plenty of young players ready to break through.

Tonga’s Isaiya Katoa and Latu Fainu, and New Zealand’s Casey McLean, are among the young names to watch.

England’s Junior Nsemba and Australia’s Jack Bostock could also make their names on the world stage.

Lehi Hopoate, Tonga’s fullback, is another young player who could shine.

Keep an eye on them, because World Cups often launch big careers.

Who Will Be Player of the Tournament?

Reece Walsh and Harry Grant are among the favourites, because Australia are expected to go deep.

Jack Bostock already has a hat-trick after Australia’s 24-22 win over New Zealand on opening night.

Outside the big two, Jarome Luai and Isaiya Katoa could shine if Samoa or Tonga reach the knockout stage.

Big performances in the semi-finals and final usually decide the award.

See our full picks in our Rugby League World Cup 2026 predictions guide.

Rugby League World Cup 2026 Stars: FAQ

Here are quick answers to the questions fans ask most about the players at this World Cup.

Each answer starts with the key fact, so you can find it fast.

For full details, see the team sections above.

Who is the best player at the Rugby League World Cup 2026?

There’s no official ranking before the tournament.

Reece Walsh, Harry Grant and Kalyn Ponga are among the most talked-about players.

Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes are also among the best halves in the world.

Is Nathan Cleary playing at the Rugby League World Cup 2026?

No. Nathan Cleary was ruled out of the tournament.

Mitchell Moses and Cameron Munster started in Australia’s halves in Round 1.

Tom Dearden is on the bench.

Is Reece Walsh playing for Australia at the World Cup?

Yes. Reece Walsh was named at fullback for the opener against New Zealand.

He was picked ahead of James Tedesco.

He scored a try in Australia’s 24-22 win over New Zealand.

Which NRL stars play for Samoa?

Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow are among Samoa’s NRL stars.

Junior Paulo captains the side.

Samoa reached the final of the 2022 World Cup.

Conclusion

The Rugby League World Cup 2026 brings together the best players from the NRL and Super League.

Reece Walsh, Kalyn Ponga, Jarome Luai and Jason Taumalolo are just some of the stars to watch over the next month.

Every team has players who can change a game, and new stars will emerge as the tournament goes on.

For the full list by club, see our NRL players at the Rugby League World Cup 2026 guide, and visit rlwc2026.com for official news.